Rainbow Sugar Cookies

A few weeks ago, we made our edible glitter and here is what we did with it. We decided to make rainbow sugar cookies. You can get the sugar cookie recipe that I used from here. I doubled the batch cause we were taking these to a family reunion. 

I then separated the dough into 5 bowls. I left 1 bowl its normal color of yellow. I then added food coloring to my dough and mixed it by hand.

I took our edible glitter and poured them into bowls, so that I could roll the dough balls in the matching color.

I then put the balls on the cookie sheet and baked them.

This is how they turned out! 

I was a little worried that the food coloring made the dough too wet, but they cooked normally without any problems. We got tons of compliments on how cute they were. We were also asked for the recipe for the sugar cookies because they were soft and moist!

-chelz

Edible Glitter

I found this idea on pinterest and decided to give it a try. It didn't make it really glittery, but my kids had a blast making it and we will definitely do it again! 

 I measured out 1/4 c of just regular white granulated sugar and put it in each container. You can also use raw sugar and that might turn out more glittery. I will have to try it that way next time.

I added about 5-7 drops of food coloring and mixed it in really good. I used the liquid kind, Im not sure how the gel would work. If you use it let me know how it works.

I took a cookie pan and placed 4 "U" shaped tin foil sheets on it and poured the sugar onto it. This keeps them separated and then it makes it easy to pour into the container once it has been cooked. I cooked these in the oven on 230 degrees for about 8-10 minutes, if you use the raw sugar then bump the oven temp up to 350. Once you pull it out let it cool for a few minutes. The sugar will be stiff so i just folded the foil down and used my hand to break it back up.

I used baby jars to store the sugar in. It was really easy to make and a fun craft to do with the kids. I will post later what we end up doing with our new sugar glitter!


-chelz

Things We Love Thursdays: Laughing Cow Cheese

I absolutely LOVE Laughing Cow Cheese.  It is so yummy and is low in calories.  I love to eat it spread on crackers, in place of mayo on sandwiches, or mixed in with tuna.  I've tried almost every flavor and I haven't found one I didn't like.  

I recently came across a recipe blog called Green Lite Bites.  She works with Laughing Cow and comes up with all kinds of recipes to use it in.  My favorites are the tuna melts and nacho cheese dip.  Mmmm!

How do you eat Laughing Cow Cheese?

-marie

Pinned It, Tried It, Liked It: Lemon Zucchini Bread

Anyone else spend way too much time pinning cute ideas on Pinterest and not enough time actually doing those pins? Yep, that's me!  So I thought I'd start a new feature here called "Pinned It, Tried It" where I'll actually get around to making recipes and crafts and whatnot from Pinterest and report back what pins worked (and some that didn't!).

I've had lots of zucchini from my garden this year and this Lemon-Zucchini Loaf from Nancy Creative looked so beautiful.  I followed the recipe exactly and it was DELICIOUS! Very different from traditional zucchini loaves I've made -- it was light and refreshing.  My two-year-old twins devoured it!  If you've got some zucchini that needs to be used up, give this one a try! 

-marie

4 Ingredient Cake Mix Cookies

I just LOVE these cookies! They are so easy to make and I always have the ingredients on hand. I've tried lots of different cake mix flavors.  My favorites are these lemon ones and devil's food cake ones.  The latter taste like a cross between a cookie and a brownie.  Mmmmm!

All you need are FOUR ingredients:

• one box of cake mix
• 1/3 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Mix by hand cake mix, oil, and eggs. Roll dough into 24 - 1 1/2 inch balls. Roll each ball in powdered sugar to coat and place on a silpat or ungreased baking sheet.  Flatten slightly with the palm of your hand.

Bake for 6-8 minutes. The sides will just *barely* start to turn golden brown and there will be lots of pretty crinkles on the top.  You almost want them to be under-done so they don't dry out and have a nice chewy texture.  

-marie

Skinny Pool Side Dip

I saw this on Pinterest and wanted to give it a try but there was no original source -- just a list of ingredients.  But it looked good so I decided to try it.  It was so easy and sooooo delicious!!!  The first time I made it I took out all of the jalapeno seeds and there was no heat to it at all.  The second time I left about half of them in and it was quite spicy.  It's great because you can adjust the heat to your own preferences.

Ingredients: 

1 red pepper
2 jalepenos
1 can of corn
1 can sliced olives, chopped
16 oz fat-free cream cheese (softened)
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch dip seasoning mix

Combine all ingredients and serve with crackers. Delicious!!

4th of July Treat

Strawberry Shortcake is a favorite in our family. Every summer we make sure to make it as often as we can! With the 4th being a holiday, it is another good excuse to make strawberry shortcake for the occasion and it looks patriotic as well! Nothin like an all American dessert for an American holiday! 

Happy 4th of July! Have fun and be safe!

The G*Rated Girls

Easy Sugar Cookies

Every now and then my husband will make a batch of cookies for us once the kids have gone to bed. He will make different ones from my recipes, but one night he decided he wanted sugar cookies and I did not have a recipe for some. I have to admit I don't like to make sugar cookies from scratch cause they usually take a long time to make, so I usually make them out of the packets. Chris went onto allrecipes.com and found a sugar cookie recipe he wanted to try. They turned out great! It was a super easy recipe and you didn't have to chill the dough in the fridge. They were light and fluffy. Definitely worth a try!

1/3 c. shortening
1/3 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg
1tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt


1. Cream butter, shortening, and sugar together.
2. Add egg and vanilla
3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt and then add to the wet mixture
4. Roll dough into balls and dip in sugar


Makes one dozen.
350 for 10-12 min

-chelz

Memorial Day- Broccoli Slaw

Picture from Rea Gun

We had a bbq to go to about a week ago and we were in charge of bringing the cole slaw. I had seen this recipe on our cute friend's blog, Rea Gun Ramblings, and had to give it a try! It turned out great and was a big hit! It had a lot of flavor and was really easy to throw together! I will definitely be making this one again! The best thing is there is no mayo in this so it is a lot lower in calories! 

Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe, Rea Gun!

-chelz

Things We Love Thursdays: Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake

Can I just say I LOVE this shake?!  It's perfectly sweet, has the perfect consistency, is good for you, and is just plain yummy! 

I saw this recipe on Fit, Crafty, Stylish and Happy and knew I needed to try it.  I recently started using weights and am learning the importance of protein as I do so.  I've never used protein powder before.  Or stevia.  Or frozen cherries.  I've also never used cottage cheese in a smoothie before (but now that I know about it I will use it more often! It gave the shake such a great consistency.) I can't wait to try some other protein shake recipes, but for now I am enjoying this one every day. :)



You can get the recipe HERE. 

Twinkie Strawberry Shortcake For MOM

So easy, the kids can make this surprise for Mom for Mothers Day!

Just stir a tablespoon of powdered sugar into fresh sliced strawberrys.....

Using these ingredients, Twinkies, strawberry's, and canned whipping cream

How easy could it be......    ENJOY!!!!!!                     -Buff-              

          

Fruit Bouquet For Mother's Day

Make a Fruit Bouquet for MOM, using your crafty side, make butterfly's out of pineapple, hearts out of cantelope, and dip some strawberry's in chocolate..... Put styrofoam in the bottom of a planter then slide the fruit on skewers, and sit back & enjoy the beautiful bouquet..she will love it....

                                                               

Cheese Cake

This Cheese Cake is the kind my Son-in-Law wants hidden at the back of the Fridge. You have to pass a strict worthiness test to be eligible to get a piece of this one...and it is easy (coz that's all I know) and no-bake (even better)....the crust is yummy too..plate licking even..just saying.

Buffs Cheesecake

1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese softened

¼ C lemon juice more or less to taste

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 8 oz tub cool whip

                                                                                       1 tsp vanilla (optional)

Graham cracker/ginger snap crust
1 can of cherry pie filling or favorite fruit topping

My crust is made with 1/2 sleeve graham crackers crushed  and equal amount of ginger snap cookies crushed, then pour 1 stick(1/2 C) of melted butter  on top, and mix well. Then press crumbs into the bottom of a 9x13 pan & freeze for 10 minutes while you make the cheesecake.

Soften cream cheese in microwave or room temperature, then add lemon juice & beat till smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat till smooth. Then add cool whip till smooth and pour into crust and chill if you can wait that long. Pour cherry or blueberry or fresh raspberry' s or strawberry's (whatever your favorite may be) on top.
Sets pretty quick.  Tastes great the next day if there's any left by then.

-Buff-

Mini Muffins

I had wondered if it was possible to make Mini Muffins, baked in my grand daughters cupcake maker, and I found out how fast and easy it was. She was so excited to share and so proud of how many we got in a short time. They were eating them almost as fast as we were cooking them.... but then they just kept cooking too fast. We made their 2 favorite flavors and here are the recipes to share.

Lemon Poppy seed & Chocolate Chip Coconut Zucchini

We even tried Weight Watchers Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookie dough, and they  weren't too bad as muffins.

LEMON POPPY SEED MUFFINS  adapted from a recipe my friend found on the internet.

1 box lemon cake mix (or yellow cake mix with 2 tsp lemon juice added to the water)
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. oil
1 sm. box instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/3 c. poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Mix all ingredients together.

Fill muffin cups about half full. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.

 Makes approximately 3 dozen mini muffins

Chocolate Chocolate Zucchini Coconut Muffins -adapted from a Betty Crocker recipe

1 pkg. Devils Food chocolate cake mix 

1 tsp ground cinnamon

3 eggs

1/2 C vege oil

1 1/4 C water

1 C choc. chips

1/2 C flaked coconut  (optional)

1 C shredded zucchini ( I grate and freeze 1 Cup portions for future recipes in the winter)  

Preheat oven 350 deg. 

Spray muffin maker the first batch and not necessary for the rest. 

Combine cake mix & cinnamon & choc. chips. Add eggs, oil and water, blend. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed, then fold in zucchini.

Using a teaspoon fill cups 1/2 full and following the timing constructions on your little muffin cooker in approx 3-5 minutes you have muffins.

I'm sure you will like them as much as we do.

                                                                                                     -Buff-

Toasted Coconut Smores

I LOVE anything coconut! So, I decided to try using the toasted coconut marshmallows on s'mores. It was  amazing! This is a no brainer kind of treat that you can have at any time. When we are not camping, we just heat them up in the microwave and eat! Now that we have tried them this way I don't think we can be talked into going back to just regular marshmallows!




-Buff-

Raspberry Angel Dream Dessert

My boss brought this into work for us to try....
                                    Oh my goodness this huge dessert is divine & only 90 calories....

It looked really good, but it tasted sooo much better than it looked, and each portion was 1/5 of the sugar free Angel Food cake. She said for 2 weeks they ate it every night for dessert on their diet, and they lost weight. They never got sick of it because it was so filling and yummy. Finally after 2 weeks she felt like she was finally willing to share some with us, and we were so glad she did. Everyone of us ate the whole thing...
It is such a quick and easy dessert to make. Here's her recipe and thanks a bunch Peggy..

1 9oz Sugar Free Angel Food cake (in the WalMart bakery) ask if you can't find it, it may be in their freezer.
1 Lg. tub Lite Coolwhip
4 cups Fresh or frozen Raspberries
1 Tbsp.Splenda

Combine thawed raspberries and splenda and mix thoroughly. Spoon some raspberry mix on top of 1/5 of  the Angel Food cake and top with Coolwhip and enjoy. Just looking at the photos gives me warm fuzzies..

                                                                                -Buff-

Frugal Friday- Homemade Hash Browns

At our house, we love to eat breakfast for dinner! Who doesn't? A lot of times we make our own hash browns and it ends up being a lot cheaper than buying them from the frozen section at the store.

What you will need:

- about 4 raw potatoes
- chopped up onions (as much or as little as you would like)
- 2 eggs (to hold the ingredients together)

Mix it all together in a bowl, and then spoon into the pan to cook. You could also do this on a griddle. 

This is a fast and easy way to make your own hash browns at home. Hope your family enjoys this as much as ours does!

-Buff-

Frugal Friday - Veggie Alfredo Pizza

Every Friday in our home is pizza/movie night. I'm constantly on the lookout for new pizza recipes so we have a variety of pizzas to eat each week.  One of our favorite take-out pizzas is the Veggie Gourmet at Round Table Pizza.  This is our version of it.  Much cheaper but sooooo delicious!

Ingredients:

• pizza dough - premade or homemade
• olive oil
• garlic salt
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• alfredo sauce (I cut THIS recipe in half and use half on the pizza and half as dipping sauce)
•  red onions, sliced
• green onions, sliced
• baby spinach, chopped
• zuchinni, sliced and quartered
• artichoke hearts, chopped
• sliced mushrooms (we like the baby portabella)
• tomatoes, chopped
• minced garlic

Preheat the oven to 425°.  Roll out dough onto a greased pizza pan and brush lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt.  Using a fork poke holes in the dough and then bake for 7 minutes.  Spread on the alfredo sauce, cheese and toppings and bake an additional 7 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.  

***A great tip for any leftover toppings is to use them in omelets the next morning.  So good!***

Snowball Bunnies

I wanted to make a fun and cute treat for my grandkids and had seen this idea and decided to try it.

Things you will need:

1 Packet of Hostess Snowball Cakes- head

Jelly Beans- eyes

Salt Water Taffies- ears

Heart shaped candy-nose

Tooth picks- ears

I took the Salt Water Taffies and stretched and molded them into the shape of ears. Then I put toothpicks in the taffy to get it to stand up straight. I had to cut the jelly beans down to the size I wanted for the eyes. I had a packet of heart shaped candies from Valentine's that I used for the nose.

Then, it was ready for the kids to eat! This was a simple and cute snack for the kids to enjoy!

-Buff-

Easy Homemade Doughnuts

My kids LOVE these!  They love making them AND eating them.  They are so quick and easy, too. 

Easy Doughnuts
refrigerated biscuits
oil
toppings

Heat 1 inch oil in a skillet. Separate biscuits and flatten a little with your hand. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut a hole in each biscuit. (I didn't have any small circles so we used hearts instead! You could also use the cap of a water bottle.) Fry the biscuits and the holes in the oil until brown on each side. Top them with whatever you want. We dipped some in regular sugar, some in a cinnamon/sugar mix, and some in a frosting made of powdered sugar & milk. They all tasted great!

-marie

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